From 11–13 November, the UN Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Interagency Group for West Africa and the Sahel, comprising UNOWAS, UNFPA, UNDP and UN Women, held a Regional and Country Offices Learning Forum in Dakar, with around 20 participants attending in person and nearly 30 online. The event provided a collaborative space to strengthen coordination, deepen knowledge, and enhance the practical implementation of the YPS agenda across diverse political and operational contexts in the region. Opening the Forum, SRSG Simão encouraged open dialogue and creativity, setting the stage for three days of candid discussions and joint visioning.

Participants consolidated a shared understanding of the YPS framework, examined regional gaps, strengthened skills in youth-sensitive conflict analysis, and exchanged solutions to common challenges. A strong call emerged for improved internal UN coordination and more coherent strategies.

The Forum showcased promising regional practices, highlighting how youth-led initiatives, supported by advocacy and multi-stakeholder partnerships, can shape national priorities and mobilize resources. Participants also emphasized the complementarities between the YPS and Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agendas, particularly in ensuring the meaningful participation of young women. Discussions further underscored the need to clarify the roles of YPS advisors, officers, and focal points.

A regional vision for 2026–2030 was developed, prioritizing accelerated implementation of YPS National Action Plans through strong government leadership, enhanced coordination, and meaningful youth engagement. Key areas identified include capacity building, resource mobilization, cooperation and advocacy, policy development, monitoring and reporting, and knowledge generation. Recommendations called for strengthened institutional and local capacities, better-aligned programming, sustainable financing, increased visibility for youth-led initiatives, improved accountability and stronger evidence on youth contributions to peace and security.

The UN Interagency Regional Group on YPS is coordinated by UNOWAS, with support from DPPA missions in the region, and co-led by UNDP and UNFPA, with rotating membership every two years.